By Not Known
Following my sermon last Sunday on the importance of discipling others, and my article on giving personal attention, I would like to further encourage each of you not to underestimate what you can contribute to the spiritual well-being of others.
It is my belief that each of us owns precious lessons which we have accumulated during our spiritual journey with the Lord whether long or short, and those lessons – because they are personal and precious – can be shared simply and powerfully with others. In fact, because they are vivid and memorable, they are easily shared. You don’t have to be an eloquent expert or a polished presenter to impart lessons of spiritual value; in fact I think being an ordinary person speaks powerfully that God works through ordinariness. No need to embellish those lessons with impressive words, exaggeration or theological jargon. You just need to be honest, to share in simple language what you went through and how God taught you from those experiences ― the simpler, the better.
I’m quite confident that each one of us could, for example, think of 10 experiences which are of some spiritual value or find 10 favourite passages of Scripture which are precious to you. Or blend five of each and speak from the heart. Make God the hero, share openly and bless someone in the days ahead. We use our mouths to communicate so much daily. Surely we can also use our mouths for God also. “My mouth is filled with Your praise, declaring Your splendour all day long.” (Ps 71:8)
UNEXPECTED TO US, BUT NOT TO GOD
The year has started unexpectedly for me. Medical tests uncovered a few blockages in my heart including a section at the entrance of one of the main arteries, which if left unattended could cause serious problems in future. Following an angiogram last Tue (7 Jan), it was recommended that I undergo three bypasses around the blockages rather than have stents inserted. Needless to say, we were anxious, but God has given peace to go ahead with the bypasses this Sat (11Jan), rather than wait any longer. Better to go through preventive surgery rather than emergency surgery, which could be complex and even catastrophic. By the time you read this, I will have been through surgery, God willing and resting in ICU. Post-op, I will require a week in hospital followed by another 4-6 weeks resting. However, as I gradually recover I should be able to do light duties, but we shall have to see how things go. I rest in God’s Sovereign hands. Indeed, as I shared at the turn of the year, “I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands…” (Ps 31:14f). My family and I ask for your prayer for God’s protection during the surgery, for guidance, care and clarity for the surgeon and a swift, trouble-free recovery.
Graham Ng